Multipurpose backpack and resistance training apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a multipurpose apparatus for performing resistance training and storing objects. The apparatus comprises a backpack body, a harness assembly comprising a support member disposed at the backpack body and a plurality of intermediate straps, and a resistance training assembly. The intermediate straps extend from the support member and exist the backpack body. The resistance training assembly comprises one or more elastic bands and one or more grip members for gripping by a user. Each band comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one intermediate strap and the second end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one grip member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application for patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/355,690 entitled “MULTI-PURPOSE BACKPACK AND RESISTANCE BAND DEVICE FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS” filed Jun. 27, 2022, pending, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any purpose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a multipurpose apparatus, and more particularly, to a multipurpose apparatus for performing resistance training and storing objects.

BACKGROUND

Exercising, and the use of exercising apparatus is becoming increasingly popular. The regular and proper use of such apparatus provides the exercising individual with a heightened feeling of well-being and improved muscle tone, strength, and general fitness. As such, different types of exercise devices are developed to meet the needs and desires of individuals. Exercise devices range from small portable devices to large fixed structures and also include ranges of devices designed to exercise a specific body part or provide the user with an entire body workout.

Among these exercise devices, the most popular one used at home are resistance bands. The resistance bands are a popular piece of strength training equipment that allows individuals to build and tone their muscles with a simple elongated strap. Generally, the resistance bands are made from a durable rubber strap and are able to withstand repeated stretching and relaxing. Many people enjoy the convenience of utilizing the bands because they are easy to store and transport compared to conventional strengthening pieces like barbells, kettlebells, or hand weights.

The resistance bands include a strap, a handle at one end of the strap, and a fastener at another end of the strap. During use, one end of the strap is attached to a static structure and the user could hold the other end of the strap using the handle. This allows the users to manipulate the band back and forth while grasping the handle. However, the existing design lacks to facilitate functional movements like kicks, punches or large swinging arm and leg movements. Further, the existing resistance bands has number of straps, which tangles with one another while storing. Further, detangling the straps for next use is a tedious work.

Additionally, the resistance bands, straps and personal belongings are need to be stored while traveling to places. Generally, the user buys separate storage accessory to store resistance bands and personal belongings. However, such solutions are not economical and efficient. Alternative resistance exercise devices such as weighted backpacks and weighted vests are bulky equipment, which are difficult to store and transport.

Therefore, there is a need for multifunctional apparatus that could enable the user to perform versatile exercises using resistance bands and also enable the user to store objects including resistance bands and personal belongings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a multipurpose apparatus for performing resistance training and storing objects. The apparatus comprises a backpack body, a harness assembly and a resistance training assembly.

During training, the multipurpose apparatus enhances the wearer's technique, strength, endurance, and agility. The multipurpose apparatus enhances technique by enabling correct form, posture, and mechanics. The multipurpose apparatus enables users to isolate muscles while promoting proper technique in the intended environment. The adjustable multipurpose apparatus is adjustable, easy to use, easy to control, comfortable, and durable.

The backpack body comprises a front panel, a rear panel and a plurality of side panels extending between the front panel and the rear panel to define a compartment, and one or more apertures formed at the panels of the backpack body. In an embodiment, the apertures are formed at four corners of the backpack body. The backpack body comprises an opening to access the compartment. The backpack body further comprises a zipper fastener to open and close the opening of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the multipurpose apparatus includes a harness generally, which is worn over an upper torso of a person training with the adjustable apparatus. In one embodiment, the harness includes a strip of material generally that is configured to be worn over shoulders and around the neck of the person training. In another embodiment, the strip of material is fabricated from flexible material and may include a cushion layer so that the harness is comfortable to the person training when worn.

The harness assembly comprises a support member disposed at the backpack body and a plurality of intermediate straps. The intermediate straps extend from the support member and exist the backpack body. The support member defines a continuous loop made of rigid material. In one embodiment, the support member has a ring shape. Each intermediate strap comprises a first end and a second end. The second end of the intermediate strap is attached to the support member and the first end of the intermediate strap exists the backpack body via at least one aperture.

The resistance training assembly comprises one or more elastic bands and one or more grip members for gripping by a user. Each band comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one intermediate strap and the second end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one grip member. In an embodiment, each end of the elastic band comprises a clipping device. The first end of the intermediate strap and the grip member comprises a ring member. The clipping device at one end of the elastic band detachably locks with the ring member of the intermediate strap and another end of the elastic band detachably locks with the ring member of the grip member.

The grip member further comprises at least one hand grip member and at least one foot grip member. In one embodiment, the grip member defines a relatively flat continuous loop made of a flexible strap. The harness assembly further comprises at least two shoulder straps. Each shoulder strap detachably fastens to the first end of two intermediate straps at a same side of the side panel to define at least two continuous loops of shoulder straps. The apparatus further comprises a chest strap adapted to extend across the shoulder straps. The chest strap comprises a buckle fastener to fasten and unfasten the shoulder straps. The apparatus further comprises a pouch to store chest straps, shoulder straps and elastic bands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a user exercising arms using a multipurpose apparatus as a resistance training equipment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a user exercising arms and chest using the multipurpose apparatus of FIG. 1 as a resistance training equipment.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a user performing exercise using the multipurpose apparatus of FIG. 1 as the resistance training equipment.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a user performing exercise to work lower body using the multipurpose apparatus of FIG. 1 as the resistance training equipment.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the multipurpose apparatus of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an elastic band detachably connected to the backpack body of the multipurpose apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7A exemplarily illustrates a resistance band, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B exemplarily illustrates a resistance band, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A exemplarily illustrates a hand grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B exemplarily illustrates a hand grip, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C exemplarily illustrates a hand grip, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a pouch, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a compartment of the multipurpose apparatus having objects, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts discussed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements but not necessarily the same or identical elements throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , a multipurpose apparatus 100 is configured to function as a backpack and a resistance training equipment. The apparatus 100 comprises a backpack body 102, a harness assembly and a training assembly. The backpack body 102 comprises a front panel 104, a rear panel 106 and a plurality of side panels 108 extending between the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 to define a compartment 110 (shown in FIG. 10 ). In one embodiment, each panel (104, 106, 108) is formed of one or more layers of fabric. The backpack body 102 further comprises an opening 134 to provide access to the compartment 110. The backpack body 102 further comprises a fastener member to close and open the opening 134. In an example, the fastener member is a zipper-type fastener 136 (shown in FIG. 10 ).

The backpack body 102 further comprises one or more apertures. The apertures include at least four apertures formed at four extreme points of the backpack body 102. In an example, the four extreme points are four corners of the backpack body 102. In one embodiment, the backpack body 102 is made of materials including, but not limited to, highly dense fabric such as polyester or nylon.

The harness assembly comprises a support member and a plurality of intermediate straps 112. The support member is a rigid member disposed within the backpack body 102. In an embodiment, the support member is a continuous loop made of rigid material. In another embodiment, the support member has a ring shape. In one embodiment, the support member is made of at least one of metal and plastic material. The intermediate straps 112 extend from the support member and exists the backpack body 102 via the apertures.

In one embodiment, the plurality of intermediate straps 112 comprises at least four intermediate straps 112. Each intermediate strap 112 comprises a first end and a second end. The second end of each intermediate strap 112 is fastened to the support member and the first end of each intermediate strap 112 passes through the corresponding aperture and exists the backpack body 102.

The harness assembly further comprises one or more shoulder straps 114. One or more shoulder straps 114 comprises at least two shoulder straps 114. Each shoulder strap 114 comprises a first end and a second end. Each end of the shoulder strap 114 is connected to the first end of the intermediate strap 112. Each shoulder strap 114 comprises at least two opposing ends. Each end of the shoulder strap 114 is connected to the first end of one intermediate strap 112. In one embodiment, each end of the shoulder strap 114 is connected to the first end of one intermediate strap 112 at a same side of the backpack body 102. In another embodiment, each shoulder strap 114 detachably fastens to the first end of two intermediate straps 112 at the same side of the side panel 108 to define at least two continuous loops of shoulder straps 114.

The resistance training assembly comprises one or more elastic bands 116 and one or more grip members 122 for gripping by a user. Each elastic band 116 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the elastic band 116 is detachably connected to at least one intermediate strap 112. The second end of the elastic band 116 is detachably connected to at least one grip member 122. The harness assembly creates a stable foundation within the backpack body 102 to connect the elastic bands 116 and allows for many exercise positions that are not practical with other solutions. The harness assembly further provides stability to perform different exercises with elastic bands 116.

In one embodiment, each elastic band 116 that extends from and retracts back into the housing. In one embodiment, the elastic band 116 is a shock cord, which is an elastic cord having a solid elastomeric core made from extruded rubber (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (“EPDM”)), with a polyester sheath covering the core. It should be noted that the elastic band 116 can be fabricated from any number of materials suitable for expanding and retracting in a lengthwise direction. In a particular embodiment, the elastic band 116 are of sufficient length so that they can extend toward the lower extremities, e.g., the feet, of the person training.

Further, each end of the elastic band 116 comprises a clipping device 120. The first end of the intermediate strap 112 and the grip member 122 comprises a ring member 118. In one embodiment, the clipping device 120 is a carabiner. The clipping device 120 at one end of the elastic band 116 detachably locks with the ring member 118 of the intermediate strap 112 and another end of the elastic band 116 detachably locks with the ring member 118 of the grip member 122.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the grip members 122 comprise one or more hand grip members. The hand grip members connected to the harness assembly of multipurpose apparatus 100 enable the user to perform exercise using a versatile of movements while subjected to resistance.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the apparatus 100 comprises the backpack body 102, at least two elastic bands 116. Each elastic band 116 comprises the clipping device 120 at each of the first end and the second end of the elastic device 116. The two elastic bands 116 are connected to one another via the clipping device 120. Further, one free end of the two connected elastic bands 116 is connected to the grip member 122 and another free end is connected to the intermediate strap 112. The grip member 122 is fastened to a rigid structure, for example, a door. This enables the user to perform one or more resistance related exercises.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the grip member 122 comprises one or more foot grip members. The foot grip members connected to the harness assembly of multipurpose apparatus 100 enable the user to perform exercise using a versatile of movements while subjected to resistance.

In one embodiment, the grip members 122 comprise one or more foot grip members configured to be secured to the foot (e.g., a shoe) of the person training. It should be noted that the one or more foot grip members can be configured to be secured to other body parts, such as the ankles of the person training. In one embodiment, the one or more foot grip members are specifically designed to be secured to a person's shoe. In another embodiment, the one or more foot grip members can be secured to a person's snowshoe, ski, or skate.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the apparatus 100 further comprises at least one chest strap 124. The chest strap 124 extends across the chest of a person wearing the apparatus 100 to releasably join the shoulder straps 114. The chest strap 124 further comprises a buckle fastener 126B to fasten and detach the shoulder straps 114. Further, the intermediate straps 112 and the shoulder straps 114 are connected via a buckle fastener 126A. The buckle fastener (126A, 126B) comprises releasably connectable male and female members. FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates at least one elastic strap 116 connected to the backpack body 102. In one embodiment, the chest straps 124, the elastic bands 116, and the shoulder straps 114 are made of materials from a group including polyester, nylon, high tensile flexible material, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the elastic bands 116 could have different sizes. Each elastic band 116 comprises the clipping device 120 at both opposing ends of the elastic band 116.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the grip member 122 is a relatively flat continuous loop made of a flexible strap 128. The grip member 122 further comprises a sheath 130 that encircles the strap 128. The sheath 130 comprises a Velcro® fastener to detachably connect to the grip member 122. The sheath 130 provides comfort and better grip to the user while performing exercise using the grip member 122. The grip member 122 shown in FIG. FIG. 8A could be used as a handgrip member.

Referring to FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, the grip member 122 is a relatively flat continuous loop made of the flexible strap 128. The grip member 122 shown in FIG. 8B could be used as a hand grip member and a foot grip member. Similarly, the grip member 122 shown in FIG. 8B could be used as a hand grip member and the foot grip member. The grip member 122 further could be attached to any structure.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the apparatus 100 further comprises a pouch 132 to store the elastic bands 116 and the grip members 122. Referring to FIG. 10 , the interior compartment 110 of the apparatus 100 could be used to store one or more objects of the user. The objects, for example, includes, but not limited to, personal belongings, elastic bands 116, grip members 122 and pouch 132. The present invention facilitates to easily store elastic bands 116 and travel comfortably.

Advantageously, the harness assembly disposed within the backpack body 102 enables to provide resistance from the backpack body 102 to various muscle groups when performing a physical exercise using the grip members 122. The present invention enables to detach the grip members 122 and the elastic bands 116, and store in the compartment 110. The detachment of the components enables to easily store the apparatus 100. Further, the present invention facilitates to store the grip members 122 and the elastic bands 116 within the apparatus 100 and also enables to store personal belongings.

Although the features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose apparatus for performing resistance training and storing objects, comprising: a backpack body comprising a front panel, a rear panel and a plurality of side panels extending between the front panel and the rear panel to define a compartment, and one or more apertures formed at the panels of the backpack body; a harness assembly comprising a support member disposed at the backpack body and a plurality of intermediate straps, wherein each intermediate strap comprises a first end and a second end, the second end is attached to the support member and the first end of the intermediate strap exists the backpack body via at least one aperture, and a resistance training assembly comprising one or more elastic bands and one or more grip members for gripping by a user, wherein each band comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one intermediate strap and the second end of the elastic band is detachably connected to at least one grip member.
 2. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harness assembly further comprises at least two shoulder straps, wherein each shoulder strap detachably fastens to the first end of two intermediate straps at a same side of the side panel to define at least two continuous loops of shoulder straps.
 3. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backpack body comprises an opening to access the compartment.
 4. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backpack body further comprises a zipper fastener to open and close the opening of the compartment.
 5. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures are formed at a four corners of the backpack body.
 6. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein each end of the elastic band comprises a clipping device and first end of the intermediate strap and the grip member comprises a ring member, wherein the clipping device at one end of the elastic band detachably locks with the ring member of the intermediate strap and another end of the elastic band detachably locks with the ring member of the grip member.
 7. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip member comprises at least one hand grip member and at least one foot grip member.
 8. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 7, wherein the grip member defines a relatively flat continuous loop made of a flexible strap.
 9. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member defines a continuous loop made of rigid material.
 10. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member has a ring shape.
 11. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a chest strap adapted to extend across the shoulder straps.
 12. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 11, wherein the chest strap comprises a buckle fastener to fasten and unfasten the shoulder straps.
 13. The multipurpose apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a pouch to store chest straps, shoulder straps and elastic bands. 